Jamaican American Connection Inc
Nonprofit profile at a glance
- EIN
- 812039270
- IRS 990-EZ coverage
- 2024–2024
- Forms available
- Form 990-EZ 2024, Form 990-N 2023
- Location
- Hamden, CT, USA
- Phone
- 3473135307
- Rating
- 82
- Verdict
- STRONG
- Rating confidence
- Moderate
- Sector
- Cultural, Ethnic Awareness
Reported finances
- Revenue
- $88,306
- Expenses
- $61,635
- Assets
- $85,923
- Liabilities
- $0
Source: IRS Form 990-EZ. Selected filing: tax year 2024. Amounts in USD.
Leadership & pay
6 people listed
Executive titles in this filing
- KARAINE HOLNESS (PRESIDENT)
- CRAIG BRANDON (FIRST VICE PRESIDENT)
- MILTON JACKSON (SECOND VICE PRESIDENT)
People named in this filing
- SHANICE BRACKENRIDGE (PARLIAMENTARIAN)
- KARAINE HOLNESS (PRESIDENT)
- CRAIG BRANDON (FIRST VICE PRESIDENT)
Selected names, not a complete roster or a statement of current roles. Open leadership details for the complete filed list.
Source: IRS Form 990-EZ. Selected filing: tax year 2024. Names and roles reflect this filing, not necessarily current officeholders.
Overview
Mission
To encourage respect for and support of positive cultural values and traditions related to west indian history and heritage; promote knowledge, understanding and respect for racial, ethnic and cultural diversity; preserve, promote and showcase jamaican and other west indian art, cuisine, music, dance, literature and cultural artifacts; provide scholarships to students and gifts of charity in support of activities in advancement of the corporation's purposes; and promote civic discourse with respect to local, national and international matters relevant to west indian populations.
What it reported doing in 2024
As we reflect on an inspiring year filled with compassion, service, and collective spirit, we are honored to share highlights from the jamaican american connection's 2024 journey. Every initiative underscores our mission: strengthening the bond between jamaica, the caribbean and the u.s. Through purposeful action, cultural celebration, and community care. Jac book scholarships: we proudly awarded five scholarships totaling $7,500, helping students pursue their academic aspirations.student essentials: two students received $4,000 in in-kind support, ensuring they had the tools to succeed inside and outside the classroom.shamar wilson support: jac supported rising talent shamar wilson with educational resources, golf supplies, and nutritional support advancing both academic and athletic development.healthy classrooms initiative: hygiene items were donated to six (6) new haven schools four (4) elementary and two high schools creating cleaner, healthier learning environments.lincoln bassett trunk r treat: we celebrated with local families at this festive event, distributing treats and fostering joyful connections with students.scantlebury senior living beautification: residents enjoyed a refreshed and vibrant space thanks to our beautication efforts, promoting dignity and joy.empowering at-risk youth: a custom sign was donated to the shack, an organization supporting the needs of at risk youths, reinforcing its crucial mission and presence in the community.emergency relief: after a life-altering accident, jac stepped in with vital support to uplift and assist the affected family.mlk day of service collaboration: in partnership with the alpha kappa alpha sorority (aka) and the women of the village pantry, jac donated non-perishable food items to support families and honor the spirit of dr. Martin luther king jr.'s legacy of service.medical supply shipment: in partnership with the american friends of jamaica, jac packed and shipped medical supplies to bolster healthcare access in underserved jamaican communities. Journey2free donation (st. Thomas): jac contributed toiletries and feminine hygiene products to journey2free, an organization supporting youth through self-healing and personal growth advancing dignity, health, and emotional wellness.
Operating model
- Revenue model
- Donor-supported. 80% of the money available for current operations came from contributions and gifts.
- Distribution model
- Hybrid. The nonprofit split its reported program spending across 59% for direct work, and 41% for grants.
The verdict
STRONG - The filed numbers largely add up and a large share of available resources goes toward mission work. Total assets are small relative to annual expenses; liquid coverage is unknown and reported officer compensation is a large share of total spending, which may reflect staffing concentration.
Rating breakdown
- Financial Efficiency: 78
- Transparency & Controls: 100
- Sustainability: 69
- Growth: NotEnoughData
Detailed rating inputs
Financial Efficiency
- Mission deployment rate: 67.2%; rating input score 67
- Program expense ratio: 96.2%; rating input score 96
Transparency & Controls
- Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 52nd percentile among comparable filings
- Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
Sustainability
- Operating margin: 30.2%; rating input score 81; 81st percentile among comparable filings
- Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.39; rating input score 55; 55th percentile among comparable filings
- Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 68; 68th percentile among comparable filings
- Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings
Growth
- Program expense growth: Limited
- Revenue growth: Limited
- Asset growth: Limited
Details
- Where the money goes: 67.2% of revenue deployed · 96.2% of spending went to programs
- Governance: Filed governance answers
- Accomplishments: 1 filed program accomplishment · $59K in reported program spending
- Leadership: top reported pay $0 · 6 people listed
- Consistency: 9 of 9 current checks pass
- Schedules: 4 filed schedules
- Contacts: How to reach this organization
- Grant readiness: Federal tax and exclusion status, award history, and grant-maker relationships.
- People: Everyone the filings name, and which of them the filings identify by more than a name.
Key Signals
Signals prioritize questions for review. They are not findings of misconduct.
- Review — Sustainability: Total-asset coverage ratio scored 55/100.
- Review — Sustainability: Officer compensation ratio scored 56/100.